# Russian Plague Case Won't Trigger California Pandemic

> Experts say California's plague risk remains low despite Russian lab worker death.
- Title: Russian Plague Case Won't Trigger California Pandemic · Sfgate
- Summary: Experts say California's plague risk remains low despite Russian lab worker death. California experts state pneumonic plague cases are unlikely to cause…
- Keywords: yersinia pestis, plague, california, pneumonic plague, cdc, world health organization, russian lab worker, bubonic plague, septicemic plague, exposure protocols, news, local
- Source: Sfgate — https://sfgate.com/bayarea/article/russian-plague-california-risk-22465808.php
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: yersinia pestis, plague, california, pneumonic plague, cdc, world health organization, russian lab worker, bubonic plague, septicemic plague, exposure protocols, news, local
## Russian lab worker death reported
Russian media outlets reported a lab worker at an anti-plague facility died due to unexplained pneumonia.

> no case of plague has been registered in the area
## Plague transmission concerns
Experts worry about potential lab leak of deadly pathogen and international headlines about outbreak risk.

> pneumonic plague is the only form that can be transmitted from person to person
## WHO information limited
Russian authorities told WHO only that no plague cases were registered and no high-threat pathogens found among contacts.

> no case of plague has been registered in the area
## Plague in California history
Plague first reported in California in 1900 with 46 cases since 1970 including one case from outside the state.

> the plague was first reported in California in 1900
## Pneumonic plague risks
Seven cases of pneumonic plague since 1970 with six fatal cases and no person-to-person transmission since 1920s.

> seven cases of pneumonic plague have been reported since 1970
## Expert analysis on transmission
Plague spreads via larger droplets requiring close contact unlike airborne viruses such as flu or COVID-19.

> it is spread via larger droplets that don’t travel as far
## Treatment and protocols
Antibiotics can cure Yersinia pestis infections with prophylactic medications for exposed individuals.

> highly sensitive to antibiotics, which can cure the infection
## Laboratory risks
Researchers face higher risk from plague exposure requiring minimal inhalation of organisms to get sick.

> you only have to inhale a few organisms and get really sick
## Key takeaway

California experts state pneumonic plague cases are unlikely to cause large outbreaks due to limited transmission and existing protocols.